Blog - Robby Oakes Mortgage

The New Home Warranty: Why This Benefit Alone Makes Buying New Worth Considering

September 25, 2015 by Robby Oakes

When making the decision to purchase a home, there can be an array of questions to ask regarding location, size, style and additional features that will complicate things. While buying new can seem like a risk, this type of warranty may help make at least one decision easy when it comes to your home purchase.

Looking Ahead: How to Ensure That You Are Taking Full Advantage of Mortgage Tax Credits

September 24, 2015 by Robby Oakes

One of the major benefits to purchasing a home with a mortgage are the tax credits that can be taken advantage of when April 15 comes around. Many homeowners are unaware of what mortgage related expenses can be deducted and, more importantly, which ones can no longer be deducted.

National Association of REALTORS – Sales of Pre-Owned Homes Dip

September 23, 2015 by Robby Oakes

Sales of previously owned homes dropped in August by 4.80 percent on an annual basis for the first time in four months; the dip was likely caused by rising home prices. August sales were reported at a rate of 5.31 million; July’s rate was 5.58 million sales of previously owned homes.

Critical Documents That You’ll Need to Have Ready Before Applying for a Mortgage

September 22, 2015 by Robby Oakes

If not done properly applying for a mortgage can be stressful and time consuming, but with the right preparation the entire process can be seamless. Here are some crucial pieces of information that almost any lender will require before approving a mortgage.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – September 21, 2015

September 21, 2015 by Robby Oakes

Last week’s economic releases included several reports related to housing. The Wells Fargo/ NAHB Housing Market Index achieved its highest reading in nearly 10 years. Housing Starts dipped in August and Building Permits issued in August exceeded July expectations. The week’s big news was actually no news. The Fed’s Federal Open Market Committee decided not to raise interest rates. Fed Chair Janet Yellen followed up on the FOMC statement with a press conference and said that the Fed is not yet ready to raise rates, but that a majority of FOMC members are prepared to raise rates before year-end.

NAHB: Builder Confidence Hits Highest Rate in 9 Years; Fed Doesn’t Raise Rates

September 18, 2015 by Robby Oakes

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) / Wells Fargo Housing Market Index reported that home builder confidence rose by one point to a reading of 62 for September. This was the highest reading since November 2005, when the NAHB reported a reading of 68 for home builder confidence.

First-Time Home Buyer? 3 Budgeting Tips to Help Make Your Mortgage Payments Easier

September 17, 2015 by Robby Oakes

Buying a new home is an exciting time, but excitement can easily turn to stress if there isn’t enough money to pay the monthly mortgage bill. The added expense can take some time to get used to, but there are ways to make the payments easier, especially in those first few months when money is the tightest.

Ignore ‘The Bubble’ Talk – 3 Reasons Why This is an Excellent Time to Buy Real Estate

September 16, 2015 by Robby Oakes

While a gloomy outlook on the real estate market can strike fear in some hearts and may deter a purchase until a later date, the fact is that this is an excellent time to purchase property. In fact, there are three good reasons why potential buyers may want to start moving forward with their buying plans soon.

The Quick and Easy Guide to Understanding the Math Behind Your Mortgage Closing Costs

September 15, 2015 by Robby Oakes

It’s amazing that in a year with extremely low mortgage rates being reported around the country, closing costs are up by as much as 6% from the previous year. Part of the reason for this is that the stricter regulations on loans have increased the costs to banks, and they always find a way to pass on new costs to the consumer.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – September 14, 2015

September 14, 2015 by Robby Oakes

A short week after the Labor Day Holiday provided a slack schedule for economic news. Bloomberg reported that residential investment for the second quarter of 2015 represented 3.34 percent of the Gross Domestic Product. Compared to the long-term average reading of 4.56 percent, analysts said that the Q2 15 reading suggested pent-up demand in the housing market that could help propel the economy through any setbacks that could occur when the Fed raises rates.